While some of us are working at home due to the Covid-19 outbreak, cosy in the comforts of our home, many workers are forced to continue working outdoors due to the nature of their jobs.
So, they get on with their work, as usual, making sure to keep a distance from those around them.
But tragedy can strike at any time, like this heartbreaking story shows.
SMRT Worker Dies At Bishan Depot Due To Work Accident
An SMRT worker died on Monday morning (23 March) after suffering severe injuries while working at Bishan Depot.
According to The Straits Times, Muhammad Afiq bin Senawi met with an accident while doing maintenance work.
The man had been working in a Rolling Stock workshop and was operating a hydraulic press machine when the accident occurred at about 9.20am.
“First-aid was immediately rendered. He was then conveyed to the hospital”, said SMRT Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neo Kian Hong.
Unfortunately, he later succumbed to his injuries and passed away at the hospital at about 11.20am.
“We have conveyed our deepest condolences to his family and are rendering support and assistance at this very difficult time,” Mr Neo said.
Safety Time-Out Called
SMRT said that it is assisting the Land Transport Authority, the Ministry of Manpower, and the police with the investigations.
The transport operator has also called a safety time-out and suspended all similar maintenance works while investigations are ongoing.
Not the first time
This isn’t the first time that an SMRT worker has died as the result of a workplace accident, according to CNA.
SMRT Trains was fined S$400,000 in February 2017 after two SMRT workers were killed by an oncoming train between Pasir Ris and Tampines stations in 2016.
They were part of a 15-man team sent to check on a track fault about 190m away from Pasir Ris station.
But that’s not all.
One SMRT worker had to have the lower part of his right leg amputated after he suffered foot injuries while carrying out maintenance work near Joo Koon station in 2018.
Treasure what you have
Everyone’s complaining during the Covid-19 outbreak for one reason or another: I can’t travel, meet up with my friends, or attend concerts anymore.
But incidents like this demonstrate that life is precious and can be taken away from us at any moment.
Treasure what you have, whether it’s your job, your loved ones, or your life.
Goody Feed offers its condolences to Senawi’s family and we hope that they’ll be able to pull through this tough time.
